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Community support brings to life Baramunda festival
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Bhubaneswar: A wave of festive spirit has swept through Baramunda, one of the oldest localities in the capital city, as residents prepare for their Rath Yatra this year. Rath Yatra at the local Jagannath Temple, which began as a humble celebration in 1992 has grown into a cherished community event with active participation from residents.
"People from all ages from the youth to the elderly have their roles in making the event successful," said Benudhara Paikary, a senior member of the Ratha Yatra organising committee.
"The tradition of being associated with Rath Yatra has been carried on from one generation to another. Younger members are joining hands and with the guidance of elders, we are conducting the festival every year. Thousands of devotees come from nearby villages to pull the chariots.
It is also a means of keeping alive our heritage and culture," said Anil Das, a young member of the committee.
Every aspect of the Ratha Yatra is crowd-funded. Residents contribute whatever they can, in terms of money, materials or labour to ensure the festival is organised smoothly.
Paikary said Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra travel on one chariot. "The 30-ft high chariot has retained its original design since its inception.
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Parts of it are replaced each year with fresh wood and new cloth, depending on wear and tear. We only made the idols bigger when the new temple was constructed."
The chariot construction began on June 1, with villagers contributing time, resources and skills. From assembling the structure to painting it with vibrant colours and intricate traditional motifs, the members of the community are leaving no detail untouched.
Finishing touches, cloth and paint are now being added.
The deities are carried in the chariot that is pulled through the village to Nilakantheswar temple, considered as Gundicha temple, around 1 km away. Villagers organise a special music programme on the day the deities wear Suna Besha (golden attire).
Kumara Sarathi, who has been steering the chariot for the past three years, said, "Driving the chariot is not just a responsibility, it's a blessing.
You feel the presence of the Lord with every step."
The growth of the temple complex reflects the evolving aspirations of the community. They have constructed a Ram Temple this year and are planning to refurbish the Mausi Ma temple next year. "Commitment of the villagers for the Lord goes far beyond rituals," said Paikray.
